After a year in limbo, plans for a new supermarket giant to set up store on an Isle of Wight high street could be a step closer.
It comes as plans for Tesco to install signage on the former Laura Ashley store on Newport High Street have been approved by the Isle of Wight Council.
Sixth Island store
The national chain submitted the plans for its sixth Island store to the authority last year.
They have since been revised as Tesco responded to concerns over the level of advertising in the shop windows and the effect it could have on the conservation area.
Objections to the plans
Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council originally objected to the plans, saying while the store was acceptable, its presentation was important and the current plans were detrimental to the listed buildings in the town.
The Shaping Newport partnership also objected to the plans regarding the outside of the building as it would be detrimental to the town centre conservation area.
Amount of advertising reduced
In the decision report, council planning officers said following discussions with Tesco, the amount of advertising was reduced and shuttered screens on windows approved.
Officers have now approved the plans, setting the supermarket chain a three-year timeframe to start, which is the standard timeframe given.
Alcohol licence approved
Last September, Tesco was granted its licence to sell alcohol and food from the High Street store.
The express store will be able to sell food and alcohol for consumption off the premises from 6am to midnight, seven days a week.
At the time, Tesco said the store would be open by Easter 2023.
H. Samuel shop confusion
There is still one unanswered question about the plans, however, as the plans would see the former Laura Ashley store combined with the H. Samuel Jewellery shop next door.
The jewellery store is still occupied and last year workers said they had not been told about any closure.
Stores remain central to long-term growth strategy
A spokesperson for H. Samuel said they were monitoring the situation and said stores remained central to its long-term growth strategy, including on the Island.
Tesco already has other stores in Ryde, Freshwater, Ventnor, Wootton and Lake.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
